BALTIMORE - Although 50 years have passed, Gustavo Avila can readily recall his ride of a lifetime aboard Canonero II in the 1971 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, just two weeks after the Venezuelan visitors shocked the world by pulling off an unimaginable upset victory in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

    The retired 83-year-old jockey, who resides in Miami with his family, came to Pimlico “a bit uncomfortable” and preparing for a race that would test Canonero II’s speed as well as his stamina.

    “One thing was certain,” the Venezuelan Hall of Fame jockey said, “this was going to be a violent race because of how fast it would be.”

    Avila and his Kentucky-bred Venezuelan invader, who had rallied from 18th to win the Kentucky Derby by 3 ¾ lengths, proved to be well-prepared to withstand a thrilling speed duel that developed with Eastern Fleet, winning by 1 ½ lengths and proving that his monumental upset victory at Churchill Downs was hardly the fluke so many had written it off to be.

    Canonero II, bred by Edward B. Benjamin, was born with a crooked foreleg and sold for a mere $1,200 at Keeneland. Between the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, he incurred a foot infection and wasn't 100 percent for the final leg of the Triple Crown, and he finished fourth in front of a record crowd, due to a large latino presence. He was still named Champion 3-year-old male of '71. 

    Canonero II was sold to King Ranch and in 1972, set a track record at Belmont in the Stymie Handicap. He retired with a record of 9-3-4 in 23 starts and earnings of $360,804, which would have been close to $3 million at today's prices.   

          

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